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Niger crisis needs diplomatic solution devoid of foreign involvement – AFRO-GLOBAL
The Africa Center of Global Engagement and Diplomacy (AFRO-GLOBAL), a policy think-tank, has called on leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to use diplomatic dialogue to find solution and restore democracy in Niger.
In a statement issued last Friday and signed by the Director/Lead Researcher of AFRO-GLOBAL, Professor Lord Mawuko-Yavugah, the centre reminded leaders of the bloc to be mindful of the “too many unanswered issues” that might undermine a credible ECOWAS-led intervention.
AFRO-GLOBAL said while the military takeover was unfortunate, it believed that the situation needed a diplomatic solution and not a military solution.
“Our call is based on the understanding that the military solution has never had a predictable outcome,” it added.
It added that there were reports that suggested that France and the US had over 1,500 and 1,100 troops respectively in Niger. AFRO-GLOBAL therefore, questioned what would be the role of those foreign troops in the event of an ECOWAS led intervention in Niger.
“How would their role undermine the image and independence of ECOWAS?” it asked.
The centre also made reference to reports of the coup makers seeking the assistance of the Russian mercenary group Wegner, asking if ECOWAS would be prepared for a war that might become a proxy of superpowers.
“In view of the general poor economic situation in the sub-region, who would pay for the cost of the intervention? Would it be the struggling economies of the region or a foreign power?” The statement quizzed.
AFRO-GLOBAL therefore appeal to regional leaders to be cautious of the involvement of foreign powers in the ongoing process.
“It appears to any observer that France seems more interested in the return to power of the ousted leader than the people of Niger.
Comments by French officials on the ECOWAS position and the planned military intervention only go to deepen suspicion about the neutrality of ECOWAS,” it said.
Accusing France of being a party to the current crisis, the centre urged France to restrain itself from any issues relating to efforts by ECOWAS to resolve the crisis.
“We therefore urge the French government and other powers to refrain from comments that may undermine the efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.
We appeal to ECOWAS leaders to reconsider the military option and allow dialogue and diplomacy to work,” they indicated.
Given that Algeria had so far played a constructively positive role by not appearing confrontational as ECOWAS, the centre urged leaders of the bloc to consider engaging Algeria to play a mediating role in the crisis.
It further urged ECOWAS to engage Russia, China and any other power that might likely come to the aid of the coup makers to prevent them from intervening on the side of the coup makers.
“This will enable the sanctions to be effective. The group must isolate foreign powers (particularly France) from any solution it adopts to resolve the crisis.The sanctions imposed by ECOWAS should be used to negotiate a timetable for a return to civilian rule where every achieved target results in the lifting of specific sanctions,” the statement concluded.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
